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John Parker

John H. Parker Sr., the last surviving child of Robert Graham and Bessie Lee Parker, born July 24, 1921, rejoined his family Sunday, April 21, 2013. He was a Lutheran and a lifelong resident of Fort Smith. He loved farming. He was a member of the 1940 graduating class of Fort Smith High. He served as a Merchant Marine in World War II, where he earned the rank of lieutenant. He retired from the Postal Service as a rural mail carrier. He also retired from Gerber and Allen Canning, working until he was 81 years old. He was the father of four sons and a daughter. One son, Richard, preceded him in death earlier this year.

Surviving children are John H. Parker Jr. of Van Buren, Gary L. Parker of Rochester, N.H., Jim D. Parker of Sapulpa, Okla., and Janice Stevens of Lee’s Summit, Mo. He is also survived by six grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday at Lewis Funeral Chapel in Fort Smith. No formal visitation.

Interment will be at Forest Park Cemetery in Fort Smith.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Parker, Robert Parker, John Parker Jr., John Kelly, Bobby Parker, Gary Parker and Jimmy Parker. Honorary pallbearers will be John Richardson and John Kelly.